Last summer, when my 7-year-old grandson, Will, was down from Birmingham for his annual two-week visit with me, he saw a bunch of sailboats out on the bay and asked what was going on. When I explained it was a sailing camp held at the Fairhope Yacht Club, he said, “ I want to do that next summer!”

Of course, I was excited to sign him up, because any opportunity to be on Mobile Bay and experience things that I loved as a child is important to me. I had heard it was a very popular camp and hard to get into, so I was ready when registration opened in February, and he got a coveted spot. “

The Bay Buddy camp for 5-, 6-, and 7-year-olds filled up in an hour and a half, with a max of 40 kids,” Holly Murray, director of the sailing program at FYC, told me. This summer, we had 300 kids signed up for all the camp sessions.” They do 4 two-week sessions beginning in early June and ending in early August.

Sailing Camp has been a thing at the yacht club for a long time- at least the 50 years I've lived on the Eastern Shore. Holly has been Director for the last 10 years, coming from stints as director of programs at well-known yacht clubs in Coastal Mississippi; Long Beach, Pass Christian, and the Southern Yacht Club in New Orleans. Having grown up in Long Beach, she sailed as a child and started racing sailboats when she was 18 years old. 

The program she has built in Fairhope is impressive. Besides the summer sailing camps, she coaches 4 high school sailing teams: Fairhope, Bayside Academy, St Michaels, and Bayshore Christian. These teams participate in races using FYC-owned 420s and have multiple regattas throughout the year. These races provide high-school sailors an opportunity to develop their skills and compete at a higher level. Holly also conducts clinics for advanced Optimist sailors and Green Fleet sailors. 

You may have seen the “Opti” sailboats practicing on the bay. They look like toy boats but are specifically designed to teach children under 16 to learn sailing and basic racing. They are 7 feet 9 inches long, weigh 77 pounds, and are the top boat worldwide for young sailors. They feature three air-filled flotation bags that keep the boat afloat even if it fills with water, so it is a very safe vessel for younger children. 

“On the first day of camp, we have a capsize drill, where we teach the children how to right the boat.” Holly proudly told me that FYC hosted the U.S. Optimist National Team Trials last April. The U.S. Optimist National Team Trials is a pinnacle event in youth sailing, determining which sailors earn the honor of representing the United States on the international stage as members of the U.S. Optimist National Team. This was a big deal for Fairhope as 250 sailors, their parents, and coaches from all over the US enjoyed the charm of Fairhope.

Will loved sailing camp! Will learned points of sail, how to determine wind direction, sailing terminology, knot tying, and on-the-water safety. Holly explained to me the many benefits of learning to sail. She acknowledged that physics plays a part but said developing a feel for the boat is more important. She used words like resilience, independence, and problem-solving skills as some of the perks of learning the sport, but the sheer joy of being outside in nature is the main bonus. 

Having large groups of children in and on the water is a huge responsibility, and she and the counselors take this very seriously. The counselors are required to take a 40-hour certification course and demonstrate both online and in person that they have the skills deemed necessary by the US Sailing Association. All children are required to take a swim test before sailing as well as wear a life vest and shoes at all times. With summer squalls bubbling up on the bay, Holly has a special app to track lightning strikes and gets the students off the water when a strike is 20 miles away. “I err on the side of caution,“ Holly says, and this grandmother appreciates that! 

The process to become a competitive sailor starts with learning to sail, then learning to race, and eventually advancing to sailing techniques that deepen knowledge of racing through tactics and strategy. The high school sailors can become Junior Members of the Yacht Club and can participate in many of the regattas held at Yacht Clubs in the scenic 98 coastal area. Many are accepted into sailing programs at colleges and universities. Holly mentioned that she has former students sailing at Tulane, the University of Miami, and the Citadel. 

The waterfront program at FYC is continuing to grow, and Holly has added a Fishing Camp to end this summer’s fun. Kids will use cast nets and seine nets to catch bait; they will learn casting on spin rods and even do some crabbing. She has added other sailing programs such as ‘Sail Forward’ and has purchased and acquired some more sailboats: 2 Lasers, 1 Sunfish, 5 new Optis, and some 420s. 

The Fairhope Yacht Club’s sailing program is clearly more than just a summer activity; it is a vital part of our community that fosters growth, confidence, and a deep appreciation for our beautiful bay. By equipping our youth with both technical skills and life lessons, Holly Murray and her dedicated team are shaping the next generation of sailors. As I look forward to seeing more white sails maneuvering on the bay, I am grateful for the value this experience has given my grandson—a gift of adventure and an experience like no other. I hope he will do it again next year! 

For more info, contact Holly Murray at holly@fairhopeyachtclub.com